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WHERE TO EAT IN NYC (#2)

It’s time to talk about where you should be stuffing your face this week. Coming in strong with the 2nd edition of my where to eat in nyc series, this one is full of healthy spots since summer is right around the corner. I’ve been trying my hardest to stay on track, and lose the last few Italy pounds that I have left, so I’m excited to share some ‘good decision’ places with you.

Note: there are a few cheat day spots on this roundup as well, because it wouldn’t be a Food and the City article without a little fat mixed in.

1) Mulberry & Vine: Mulberry & Vine is slowly starting to become one of my favorite lunch spots. Also, I feel really cool saying I even have a favorite lunch spot. Being someone who works from home, you typically think of us laying on the couch with our faces half way down a bag of chips as our lunch. It makes me feel both productive and mature to now have favorite lunch spots, and Mulberry & Vine is most certainly one of them. The real winner at this place is their 3-veggie of the day plate. As the name suggests, you get a sizable helping of 3 vegetables. Not only does this rotate seasonally, it changes daily, making sure to provide you eats that are both fresh and in season.

INDAY: I would be lying if I led you to believe that I knew much about Indian food. The truth is, I rarely ever eat the stuff. Not that I’m not a fan, because I am, it’s just that “let’s order Indian” never really seems to cross my mind that often. Some may identify that type of statement as being a close-minded millennial who hasn’t explored the depths of food culture that this city has to offer. You may be right, as I can’t quite vouch for the authenticity of this place, but what I do know, is that it’s damn good.

Magnolia Bakery: If you know anything about New York City, or any knowledge in operating Instagram, you’ve heard of Magnolia Bakery, and might even be slightly disappointed to be seeing them on yet another foodie roundup. The truth is, they really do deserve all of the attention that they receive. You may not think their cupcakes are the greatest on this planet, but if you’ve never had their banana pudding, I highly suggest you reevaluate every other decision you’ve made up until this point. This stuff is the absolute shit, and I say that with much style and grace. The only option you should be giving yourself when it comes to this stuff is whether or not you want to order 2 or 3 of them. Go.

Empanada Mama: Cue the angels singing, for you have now stumbled upon something great. I’ve been going to Empanada Mama for years, and if you ask any non-transplant New Yorker, they’ll tell you the same: these are some of the greatest empanadas you will ever have. There used to be 2 locations, but now only one remains after their Hell’s Kitchen location burnt down during storm Jonas (#RIP.) A few things I’d like to point out, they have a special menu for baked empanadas if you’d prefer that over a fried version. I almost always opt for this, because then I’m able to rationalize eating 4 of them in my head. My favorite are the shredded chicken, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become your favorite, too. Even better than all this? They’re open 24 hours. You’re welcome.

Sigmunds Pretzels: I was hesitant to add a pretzel shop to the roundup, because as a born and bred New Yorker, I’m a true believer in street cart pretzels. A little dirt ain’t never hurt nobody, and NYC food trucks have a city charm to them like no other. But, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you about Sigmunds. While the street cart pretzels will always have a special place in my heart, the reality is that they’ll never be the best. Sigmunds offers a variety of flavors, the everything version being shown above, and they each have a butter, doughy, delicious texture. Everything you’d want in a soft pretzel. Did I mention they’ll give you a free one if you also order a beer at their bar? Kbye.

Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit: Coming in as my new favorite place ever, I introduce you to Chloe’s. My life was forever changed last week when I tried this place out for the first time. Chloe’s is serving up SOFT FRUIT, as in, fruit pureed and pulsed to become the texture of ICE CREAM. Much like your favorite froyo spot, they have a variety of toppings for you to choose from, as well as syrups and sauces. If you want an absolute guilt-free treat, this is it. Nearly 25 years on this planet and I still believe in magic. It’s called Chloe’s.

Casa Agave: This spot is a pure gem located in Hell’s Kitchen. One of my girlfriends and I randomly found it while trying to kill some time a few weeks back. We saw what I’d like to think of as a sign from the heavens that God truly does want us to be happy. A sign with the words “Happy hour: $5 margaritas” written across a chalkboard unfolded in front of their door. That was enough to get us in, and the quality of the drinks and food were enough to get us back a couple of times since. Bartender Demetrio is a pure margarita chemist, and I’m very happy he and this place exists. Pictured above is the strawberry margarita, and it’s going to be my midtown summer staple.